Venue finding can be one of the fun parts of the job as corporate event professionals. But it is time consuming to carry out the research, reach out to venues (and chase), review the proposals (no doubt have to follow up on outstanding information) and then work out the sums!
Working with a venue finder, whom you trust and see as an extension of your team, can be extremely valuable. Not only do they save you time but also in some instances can help with saving money. Venue finders will have excellent relationships with venues and will be able to negotiate to a higher level than planners can. Plus they can usually find you some hidden gems.
Our event agency partner, Make Events, offer a free finding service – yes it is free! The commission doesn’t hit your budget line at all! They will work with you from the outset to understand what you are looking for, what you want to achieve from the event and more about your brand. They will then go away and work their magic to deliver you a proposal full of exciting and unique venues.
A site visit when shortlisting venues for an event is a must for a corporate planner. Once you’ve shortlisted your venues, Make Events can arrange site visits for you. They are a great opportunity to explore the venue, meet the team who will be working with you on the event and really understand if the venue is suitable.
We recently joined Make Events on a venue finding site visit day in Liverpool. Liverpool is not just the Beatles, Eurovision and the football – lots of amazing venues for events are also there. Less than 2 hours 30 minutes from London on the train it is a great destination to explore for your events. We explored:
⁃ Innside Liverpool: a fantastic option for modern and fresh accommodation in the heart of the city. A rooftop bar provides ample views that is great for a drinks reception for large or small groups. Plus meeting spaces for up to 120 people including a fabulous “be curious” room which is great for team building.
⁃ Spaces at the Spine – a brilliant building focused on sustainability and wellbeing. A great option for live and hybrid events for up to 350 people with plenty of natural day light, breakout spaces and outstanding technology.
⁃ British Music Experience – if you are looking for a unique venue for a drinks reception, dinner or awards look no further! Your guests can enjoy the exhibitions, learn some dance moves, learn how to play a musical instrument and Boy George can even sing to them them from the central stage!
⁃ Pullman Hotel Liverpool – if you are holding an event at the ACC, this hotel is located next door so an option for accommodation.
⁃ ACC Liverpool – where do we start?! Three venues on the waterfront – the arena, convention and exhibition centre. If you need an auditorium or a blank canvas to build an entire event this is your place. As well as the large spaces there are also a variety of meeting rooms providing breakout rooms as well as spaces for networking and exhibition opportunities. You really need to see the spaces to take it all in.
⁃ Cains Brewery – this a unique and fabulous find that Make Events put forward. A listed brewery in the heart of Liverpool that would be perfect for social events, drinks receptions, meetings that need a unique space or team building. With outdoor and indoor spaces this is a unique space that must be seen.
⁃ The Municipal Hotel M Gallery – again Make Events pulled it out of the bag by showing us a venue that has just opened! Another reason why a venue finder is brilliant…. This hotel is stunning!!! It oozes sophistication and is perfect for your VIP / c-suite meetings. As well as fabulous accommodation, the main bar / restaurant area can hold semi-private intimate events and there are a number of smaller meeting rooms perfect for board level meetings.
⁃ St George’s Hall – located opposite the train station which is perfect for delegates, this venue offers opportunities for conferences, dinners, drinks receptions etc. The largest space can accommodate up to 800 people!
We had a great day exploring Liverpool and understanding more about Make Events’ venue finding service. If you would like any more information on Make Events or any of the venues we explored in Liverpool please reach out.
